Kevin Eubanks: Face to Face (1986)

Kevin Eubanks' first album with a string section is a triumph of good taste, both in the guitarist's gently swinging work and in GRP chief Dave Grusin's unobtrusive, intelligent, unsentimental string charts. Grusin's gorgeously recorded strings seem to seep into the texture, filling the spaces with just enough mortar. The backings alternate between an electric group — with Marcus Miller on bass and Grusin applying the Yamaha DX7 electric piano sound — and often just Ron Carter on acoustic bass (plus the strings, of course). The treatment of Antonio Carlos Jobim's "Wave" is a beaut, with a lot of rapid acoustic guitar figurework in mid-track. Even unreconstructed beboppers will enjoy the fluid duo-only exchange between Carter's 4/4 bass and Eubanks' electric guitar on Wes Montgomery's "The Trick Bag" and Bird's "Relaxin' at Camarillo," the latter of which Eubanks immodestly calls attention to in his liner notes. But he's entitled; it is impressive.

Face to Face

Rapidshare / Hotfile @ 320K

Harvey Mason: Marching in the Street (1975)

Harvey Mason is considered one of the finest drummer on the soul and jazz scene today. In 1975, after his work with Herbie Hancock's band, the Headhunters, he sign to Arista Records as a solo artist and record this instrumental fusion to vocal orientated dance music LP. Personnel: Maxine Willard Waters (vocals), Randy Crawford (vocals), Wah Wah Watson (guitar), Dave Grusin (keyboards), Paul Jackson (bass), Hubert Laws (flute), Bobby Bryant (trumpet), Herbie Hancock (keyboards), Ernie Watts (saxophone), Jim Gilstrap (vocals), Bennie Maupin (saxophone), Lee Ritenour (guitar) and many others.

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Marching in the Street (RS) / Marching in the Street (MU) @ 320K

Patti Austin: Intimate (2007)

With a voice that is capable of convincingly interpreting virtually any style of material, Patti Austin is one of the most astoundingly gifted singers of her generation. Here Patti caresses twelve timeless melodies with great sensitivity and emotional depth, taking the listener on a warmly romantic journey.

From her wonderful version of the classic Stylistics hit Stop, Look, Listen to the first recording of the now standard Ivan Lins/Alan & Marilyn Bergman gem The Island, this collection takes the listener through the many passionate feelings of love found, lost, and renewed. Also featuring a superb version of Patti s own In My Life and a swooning take on Cry Me A River from her wonderful collection of standards, The Real Me. With Patti Austin's latest release Avant Gershwin currently heating up the jazz charts, there is renewed interest in her work, and Intimate Patti Austin presents a perfect overview of this remarkable artist s tender side. Featuring James Ingram, Kirk Whalum, David Foster, Bob James, Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis, and Dave Grusin.

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Intimate (RS) / Intimate (MU)

Gerry Mulligan Quartet: Dragonfly (1995) mp3 @ 320K

On what was probably Gerry Mulligan's last studio album (recorded less than a year before his death), the great baritonist is heard still in prime form. He contributed all ten compositions and the emphasis is on lyricism and slower tempoes; only three songs are taken above a medium pace. There are fine cameos by Grover Washington Jr. on tenor and soprano (during the first two numbers), cornetist Warren Vache and trumpeter Ryan Kisor. In addition, guitarist John Scofield and vibraphonist Dave Samuels (who both played with Jeru in the 1970's) are on many of the tracks and pianist Dave Grusin is on some although there is no identification as to which songs. A five-piece brass section was overdubbed on a later occasion. But even with the guests, the focus is generally on Gerry Mulligan and his longtime quartet. The music is thoughtful and tasteful although it is doubtful if any of the tunes will ever catch on as standards. This is a tasteful if not quite essential final effort by Mulligan, who seems to have ended his very important career quite peacefully.